EXCLUSIVE: England center Henry Slade admits there was ‘anger’ after being left out of Steve Borthwick’s Rugby World Cup squad… but insists he is still motivated by the chance to play for his country again to play

On a gloomy autumnal Thursday afternoon in Exeter, Henry Slade takes his seat in the stands at Sandy Park. As the England center discusses the low point of his career so far, the sky suddenly becomes particularly dark. Soon the rain also falls.

The weather accurately reflects Slade’s summer to forget.

“We had a meeting,” says Slade, recalling the grim moment he was told he would not be part of England’s World Cup squad.

‘It was the morning after the first warm-up game and Steve Borthwick told me he needed more cover on the wing. I can play in many positions, but not on the wing!

‘I couldn’t help it. I did everything I could this summer, but it wasn’t meant to be. There were a lot of feelings, disappointment and probably some anger. You work your whole career for opportunities like that and I feel like I’m in my prime.

Slade admitted he felt ‘hugely gutted’ at not being picked for England’s World Cup squad

The 30-year-old insisted he is still motivated by the chance to represent England again

‘I was obviously very upset that that was taken away.

‘But we play a team sport. It is opinion driven. I think I’ve been on the right side of opinion for most of my career. Sometimes things go the other way and you have to take the hand you’re dealt.’

Slade, 30, was the main omission from France coach Borthwick’s 33-man squad when it was announced in August. Without him, England finished third, against expectations.

“It was very difficult to watch the games,” says Slade. “I’m good mates with a lot of the boys and obviously I wanted them to do well, but I struggled with it. People came up to me and asked why I wasn’t in the selection.

‘It was nice to hear people say I should have gone, but in the end it doesn’t depend on their opinion. I had to go back to Exeter and not think about it.’

Slade has 56 England caps. He played in the 2019 World Cup final against South Africa and was also part of the 2015 tournament squad as a youngster.

“A few weeks after I was released by England, our second daughter Orli was born,” he adds.

‘I would always be there for the birth, but the positive thing about missing the World Cup was that I was there for the first seven to eight weeks of her life.

Slade previously played in the 2019 World Cup final against South Africa and was also part of the 2015 tournament squad as a youngster

England head coach Steve Borthwick made the decision to drop Slade from his tournament squad

‘These are times and memories that you will never get back. My wife was very happy that I was there.

‘It’s been a crazy few months. It’s a big change going from one to two children! It’s a lot harder!

‘As an athlete you are always looking for something extra to motivate you. Playing for England again is certainly one of them. If that opportunity arises again, that would be great.’

Slade has responded well to his brutal World Cup setback. There is certainly more to be had from him at Test level.

Slade manages a youthful Exeter team, now stripped of a host of England internationals and some of his closest friends having moved abroad. Slade has guided Chiefs to three wins in their first four Premiership games.

Rob Baxter’s side started around fifth at the top of the table and will look to continue their good form when they travel to Northampton today.

Slade made his 150th Premiership appearance in the 29-20 win over Bristol last week and is favorite to win the Player of the Month award in September.

“It happened in the blink of an eye,” says Slade, clicking his fingers and reflecting on his sudden elevation to senior player. ‘We have a completely different team this year.

A few weeks after being released by England, Slade welcomed his second daughter Orli

Slade has since guided Chiefs to three wins in their first four Premiership games

‘Maybe we surprised ourselves a bit. A lot of players who have been here for a long time and have done great things for this club have moved on.

‘As one of the more experienced guys I try to help a little.

‘When I came back here halfway through pre-season and saw what the boys were like and how intense and physical the training was, it was a bit of a shock.

‘For me, however, it was ideal because the disappointment at the World Cup was obvious.

‘It took my mind off everything and I had to fully invest in what we were doing here. If I had had a few weeks off, I would have gone completely crazy.’

Slade has seen his former Exeter and England team-mates Jack Nowell and Sam Simmonds end their international careers by moving to France.

England finished third at the Rugby World Cup after being defeated by South Africa in the semi-finals

Borthwick has also lost a host of other high-profile stars to the lucrative Top 14.

“I’m in the last year of my contract at Exeter,” says Slade.

‘I don’t plan on doing anything else. We sit down and talk about things like that. If I put myself in the conversation I will hopefully get another chance at England.

‘I think everyone always thinks about that (moving abroad). But I spent my entire career at Exeter. I am very happy here with my family. I think I’ll stay if they pay me enough!’